Comic-Con Big On TV

Oh, I was sooo tempted. The TV critic press tour concluded on Tuesday and I felt the tug of Comic-Con, just a short trip down I-5 in San Diego. After all, Comic-Con is going to have a major television presence this year as the event is becoming increasingly important to the networks in their efforts to reach out to young little TV freaks.

Alas, I needed to get home and re-introduce myself to the family. I need to sleep upon my own pillow again. So Comic-Con will have to go on without me. Still, we’ll keep tabs on what’s going down in San Diego and we’ll continue, over the next few days, to report tidbits from the press tour as I empty out my notebook.

According to TVWeek’s Vlada Gelman, Comic-Con will feature 120 TV-related panels, discussions and screenings for current shows and new series. Among the series making their return to Comic-Con after splashy convention premieres are NBCâ€™s â€œHeroesâ€ and â€œChuck,â€ ABCâ€™s â€œPushing Daisiesâ€ and â€œLostâ€ and Foxâ€™s â€œTerminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.â€

The convention also will host previews and Q&As with the stars and creators/producers of upcoming series â€œDollhouse,â€ â€œKings,â€ â€œTrue Blood,â€ â€œLife on Mars,â€ â€œVirtualityâ€ and â€œMy Own Worst Enemy.â€ â€œDollhouseâ€ creator Joss Whedon will pull double duty with a screening and panel for his Internet musical â€œDr. Horribleâ€™s Sing-Along Blog.â€

For the first time, reports Gelman, the convention will include programming on tonight’s preview night. Two screenings of J.J. Abramsâ€™ Fox drama â€œFringeâ€ will be held, in addition to a trailer screening and Q&A on Saturday.

Many TV studios and networks, including Warner Bros., NBC Universal, Sci Fi Channel and Cartoon Network, will have booths set up on the convention hall floor that will feature giveaways, autograph sessions and memorabilia.

Also, G4 will offer six hours over two nights of live coverage from the show floor.